Crisis Support

When a person is experiencing a crisis situation, the emotion they feel can be overwhelming. Your client might be in complete disbelief about what they are experiencing. They will insist that they are okay and may not understand the severity of their situation. Determining if there is an immediate concern for your client’s safety will require you to gather relevant information about what they are going through. Remaining open-minded and neutral while gathering relevant information and understanding what your client is going through is crucial in crisis intervention. In this chapter, you will learn how to:  Listen empathetically to details of the current crisis situation  Affirm and strengthen links to safety and living  Provide structure and strategies for dealing with the immediate crisis  Balance collaboration and direction according to the person’s current capacity for decision-making and coping  Identify and agree on actions to reduce immediate danger and mobilise emergency assistance as required  Confirm actions are legal, ethical, and meet the duty of care requirements  Seek advice or assistance from the supervisor